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This website is supported by the European Union Programme for Employment and Social Solidarity – PROGRESS (2007-2013)

Employment

The right to employment is far from being a reality for millions of disabled people willing to work.

Disabled people are two to three times more likely to be unemployed than non-disabled persons. They are more likely to be unemployed for longer periods and face higher risks of losing their jobs than non-disabled people. At present, 78% of disabled people are totally excluded from the workforce. Most of them are obliged to depend on welfare grants to survive and as a result, their income is considerably lower than that of non-disabled people.

For the European Disability Forum, guaranteeing access to employment and occupation is a key issue, as it is crucial aspect for the economic and social inclusion of 50 million disabled people in Europe.

Barriers preventing access to the employment market are most of the times based on misconceptions and judgements on a person’s abilities. That is why, the EDF works on simultaneous levels to develop legislation in the field and to promote positive action in the labour market.